Tampa Republic

Residents and businesses in the Tampa Bay region are being urged to continue conserving water as the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) extends the once-a-week watering restrictions until July 1, 2024. The "Modified Phase 1 Water Shortage Order" has been in effect since December 1, 2023, due to drier-than-normal weather conditions.

SWFWMD reports a 12-month rainfall deficit of 7.4 inches despite some above-average rainfall between November 2023 and January 2024. The Tampa Water Department has seen a decrease in water demand since the implementation of the restrictions, from 81.6 million gallons a day in the previous year to 75.1 MGD in January 2024.

The Tampa Water Department expresses gratitude to residents and businesses for complying with the water shortage order. Watering days are determined by the last number of an address, and residents can check their assigned irrigation schedule on the department's website.

Wasteful use of water, such as hosing down driveways, is prohibited, with fines ranging from $100 to $500 for violators. Repeated violations may lead to a mandatory court appearance.

To assist in water conservation efforts, the Tampa Water Department offers free water-saving devices and water conservation workshops. For more information on how to save water, residents and businesses can visit Tampa.gov/SaveWater.